A LORRY driver was being questioned by police last night after a cyclist was killed in a collision with a HGV yesterday (Thursday, January 9).

Police arrested the driver of the lorry - a 50-year-old man from Barnsley, South Yorkshire - on suspicion of causing death by careless driving following the accident on the outskirts of Darlington.

They said the victim, a 24-year-old local man, was wearing fluorescent clothing and riding a black mountain bike on the A68 near Burtree Gate, on the outskirts of Darlington, when the collision happened.

The cyclist, who has yet to be named, died at the scene.

Several hours later police arrested the driver and last night he was still helping them with their enquiries.

Sergeant Jon Curtis of Durham’s road policing unit urged anyone who had seen the collision to come forward.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the cyclist who was wearing fluorescent clothing, riding a black mountain bike and travelling westbound on the A68 immediately prior to the incident,” he said.

The collision happened at 8am yesterday morning about a quarter of a mile west of Burtree Lane, close to a caravan dealership.

Police officers sealed off the road for a number of hours while collision investigators worked on the scene.

One officer who was patrolling the road closure said police had received verbal abuse from drivers after closing the road.

Writing on social media site, Twitter, they also spoke of the poor standard of driving on the road, saying: “Currently staffing road closure on the A68 and the standard of some people's driving is appalling - already witnessed three near misses.”

Anyone with any information on the collision is asked to contact Durham Police on 101 and ask for the collision investigation unit.